Nearly 1,000 people attended the 2012 Queens Taste event on Tuesday, May 1, at Citi Field's Caesar's Club, where they enjoyed food and beverages from 47 local vendors.

Hosted by the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), the 10th annual extravaganza also included a tasting competition, an art exhibit by Jackson Heights-based curator Zoescope, a stand up routine by Steve Hofstetter of the Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City, and a special appearance by Mr. Met.

“This was a fantastic event on so many levels,” QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein said. “The food, the beverages, the networking and the upbeat, almost giddy, atmosphere really couldn’t be beaten. Everybody had a great time, and we hope to build on this for next year.”

Michael Marino and Jorge Moret, two of the three founders of Spicy n' Sweet, a 10-month-old company based out of the QEDC's Entrepreneur Space (E-Space) in Long Island City, handed out their sauces to passersby from their first ever booth at a Queens Taste event.

“So far it feels very exciting,” Moret said during the event. “We're young, so we want our product to be seen, to be known, to be tasted.

Although Spicy n' Sweet sauces have been picked up by companies in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, the pair said they are always looking for more business.

“This is a great opportunity to be one on one with people,” Moret said.